Subtotal: ¥21.000
Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous journey filled with joy and wonder. However, amidst the awe-inspiring moments of motherhood, there’s another side that often goes unspoken – the challenges of postpartum recovery. In this blog post, we’ll look into the intricacies of postpartum healing, focusing on pelvic floor health, rectus diastasis, and how to carry your bundle of joy in a way that supports both you and your baby’s well-being.
Postpartum recovery is a crucial phase that requires attention and care. It involves healing not only physically but also emotionally and mentally. One of the key areas to focus on during this period is pelvic floor health. The pelvic floor muscles play a vital role in supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowel. However, the strain of pregnancy and childbirth can weaken these muscles, leading to issues such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Another common postpartum concern is rectus diastasis, which occurs when the abdominal muscles separate due to the expanding uterus during pregnancy. This separation can persist after childbirth, causing a protruding belly and lower back pain. Proper care and exercises are essential to heal and strengthen the abdominal muscles effectively.
While it’s the most natural thing to hold your baby close, improper carrying techniques can exacerbate postpartum issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction and rectus diastasis. Carrying your baby close to your body, high up on your chest, and with a straight back is key to supporting your postpartum recovery. Whether you’re cradling your baby in your arms or using a baby carrier, ensuring that the carrier is high and firm will distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your body.
– Hold your baby close to your body to maintain a neutral spine position.
– Engage your core muscles by gently tensing your stomach.
– Bend your knees and push up from them rather than using your back to lift the baby.
– Avoid arching your back or hollowing it excessively, as this can strain your muscles and spine.
Looking for personalized guidance on postpartum recovery and baby carrying techniques? My consultation service offers expert advice and support to help you navigate this transformative phase with confidence.
Additionally, my Babywearing Basics online course provides in-depth information on optimal baby carrying. Visit my course website to learn more and sign up today!
Postpartum recovery is a journey that requires patience, self-care, and the right knowledge. By prioritizing pelvic floor health, addressing rectus diastasis, and mastering the right way of baby carrying, you can support your body’s healing process and enjoy the precious moments of motherhood to the fullest. Taking care of yourself is not only beneficial for you but also for your little one. Remember, human infants are clingers and need the physical contact to an adult human for optimal physical and emotional growth. Carrying and holding your baby is essential for her well-being.
Here’s to a happy and healthy postpartum journey!
Hey there, fellow parents and babywearing enthusiasts! Winter is here, and if you’re like me, you’re excited to explore the the city or nature with your little one in tow despite the cold! But when the temperatures drop, it’s essential to be well-prepared to keep both you and your baby warm and comfortable. In this blog post, I’ll share some helpful tips and insights on babywearing in the cold, so you can venture outdoors with confidence.
First things first, let’s talk about where your baby should be placed in relation to your winter attire. As a general guideline, babies under one year old should be snugly tucked inside your jacket, while children over one year can be carried over your jacket. But why is this important?
For those little ones under a year, keeping them beneath your coat provides the best temperature regulation. Plus, it’s more convenient when you’re transitioning from the chilly outdoors into a toasty room. If your baby is sound asleep and you want to keep them that way, just remove your coat and let them enjoy their nap.
On the other hand, toddlers over one year old, who may be eager to explore and walk, can easily hop in and out of the carrier when placed over your jacket. It’s all about flexibility and accommodating your child’s preferences.
However, if you feel that this is not working for you, it is not a must! You can also keep your well dressed baby over your coat (maybe using a babywearing cover?) or having your toddler under your coat.
Now that we’ve sorted out where your baby should be during winter outings, let’s discuss dressing for the occasion. Layering is key. Dress both yourself and your baby in multiple layers, ensuring that each layer can be easily removed if things get too toasty. And don’t forget to count the carrier itself as one of those layers!
The number of layers can vary depending on the type of carrier you’re using. A stretchy wrap, for instance, counts as three layers, while something like the Stokke Flex counts as one to two. So, choose your clothing accordingly.
When having your baby under your coat, you can dress her like you would inside your home. The additional layer of the carrier, your own body warmth, and your coat will keep your little one cozy and warm
When it comes to materials, opt for temperature-regulating fabrics like wool and silk. These materials help keep both you and your baby warm without making you sweat excessively. However, be cautious with polyester, as it keeps you warm but doesn’t absorb moisture well. As a result, you might find yourself feeling sweaty and uncomfortable.
But what about snowsuits and down jackets? Well, they might seem like a great choice for your baby, but they won’t provide adequate warmth when babywearing. The insulating air is compressed within the carrier, making it useless.
Also check the blog post about babywearing coats!
Embracing Autumn Adventures: Babywearing Tips for Cozy Carries Autumn is a magical season, filled with crisp air, colorful foliage, and the perfect excuse to snuggle up with your little one....
Read MoreBabies have tiny fingers, toes, and, well.. bold heads.. that can get chilly quickly, so it’s essential to keep those extremities warm. Mittens, hats, and leg warmers are your best allies. By focusing on these body parts, you can dress your baby lighter on their torso while still keeping them cozy overall.
Remember that the carrier itself acts as an extra layer, which is why it’s crucial to have those additional accessories in place to keep your baby’s not covered extremities comfortable. So, embrace the cuteness of baby leg warmers and warm, snugly hats – they’re not just stylish but functional too.
Here’s a vital point to keep in mind when babywearing in winter – overheating is the most significant risk. Babies who are too warm may become quiet, which can be a cause for concern. There is a very small risk that your baby is falling in a sleep that is too deep. Babies who feel cold, on the other hand, tend to move more to stay warm. So, how do you find that sweet spot?
Regularly check your baby’s comfort level. If they’re sweating or seem too warm, it’s time to remove some layers. Your baby’s well-being is your top priority, so trust your instincts and adjust accordingly. Checking should not be done on the feet or hands because these are naturally colder in winter. Check on their upper legs or neck!
Safety always comes first, and this is no different when babywearing in the cold. Ensure that your baby’s airways are free at all times. Avoid covering their face with scarves, babywearing covers, or jackets, and this includes your own scarf or stole too.
Having a clear and unobstructed view of your baby’s face is essential for monitoring their well-being. So, be mindful of how you’re wrapping up and layering to guarantee that their airways are unrestricted and their cute little faces are always visible.
In conclusion, babywearing in the cold can be a fantastic way to bond with your baby while enjoying the beauty of the winter season. Remember to consider your baby’s age, layer up with the right materials, keep those tiny extremities warm, and be vigilant about overheating. Safety always comes first, so ensure your baby’s airways are clear and their face is visible.
By following these simple guidelines, you can create wonderful memories with your baby, all while keeping them warm, cozy, and safe during your winter adventures. So, bundle up, brave the cold, and embark on some unforgettable babywearing journeys this winter!
If you want to learn more about babywearing throughout the seasons, hop over to my course page. There is a full online course available on that topic!
Autumn is a magical season, filled with crisp air, colorful foliage, and the perfect excuse to snuggle up with your little one. Not that you need one.. As the temperatures start to drop, babywearing becomes an even more cherished way to keep your baby close and comfortable while you explore the outdoors.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the essentials of babywearing during autumn, from suitable clothing materials to specialized babywearing jackets, covers, and clever inserts for your existing jacket.
When it comes to dressing your baby for autumn babywearing, layers are your best friend. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton for your baby’s clothes, making it easy to adjust their clothing as temperatures change throughout the day. Remember to consider your little one’s comfort; a onesie, leggings, and a cozy sweater, or leg warmers can do wonders.
For you, the babywearer, the right clothing is essential too. When the sun is out, you might still feel sweating. But as soon as a cloud is covering the sun, you might feel chill. Cotton will warm you to some extinct even if it got wet. For the ultimate comfort for you and your baby, consider wool blend undergarments.
As autumn brings occasional rain and colder days, you can invest in waterproof covers for your carrier. These covers will keep your baby dry and cozy, ensuring your outdoor adventures remain enjoyable, rain or shine. Just keep in mind that rain covers are not breathable.
If you want to learn more about fabrics, clothes, or options, have a look at my online course
When the autumn air turns brisk, it’s time to introduce fleece and soft shell covers into your babywearing wardrobe. These materials provide excellent insulation and keep both you and your baby warm and snug.
Fleece covers are perfect for chilly days. They’re soft, breathable, and lightweight, making them a fantastic choice for milder autumn weather. Soft shell covers, on the other hand, offer better protection against wind and light rain. They’re the go-to option for those unpredictable autumn days when the weather can change on a dime.
Depending on the brand, you can even find 3-in-1 covers who hold all this options in one with different layers that can be added or stored away depending on your needs.
Now, let’s talk about the ultimate autumn (and winter) babywearing accessory: babywearing jackets. These specialized garments are designed with both you and your baby’s comfort in mind.
Most of the models work for front and back carries, cheaper options usually only for the front. These jackets often feature clever inserts that can be zipped in between the zipper. This ingenious design allows you to adapt the jacket to accommodate your growing baby or wear it during pregnancy. Without the insert, it functions like a normal jacket.
Talk about versatility!
These jackets come in various styles, from classic to sporty, from vests to coats, ensuring you can stay warm and stylish throughout the autumn season.
The many different materials give you all the freedom to choose what suits you best.
If you want to use your existing jacket, consider a clip-in insert for pregnancy and front carry. Just clip the zipper extensions to your jacket, zip-in the insert and you are ready to go!
Of course, using such an extra cover or a jacket is no must. Though having a small baby under your jacket has many advantages, for example that you do not have to undress your baby after getting home when baby fell asleep in the carrier, and you can even keep her in the carrier then without getting too warm yourself, you can of course also carry your baby over your jacket.
I myself use men’s jackets since many years. They depending on the size of my baby I was able to close those over the baby carrier too.
Autumn is a splendid time to explore the world with your baby. By choosing the right clothing materials and investing in specialized babywearing jackets with adaptable inserts, you can ensure that you and your little one stay warm, dry, and comfortable during all your autumn adventures. So, grab your carrier, bundle up, and embrace the beauty of this enchanting season together!
In my collection I still do not have many options to try for you before buying.
However, you can try the Kumja Clip-in, the Ergobaby Raincover, and the Limas Fleece Jacket 3 Positions from my collection.
The Limas Jackets are not produced anymore, unfortunately. It is possible to rent them from my library.
The Kumja Clip-in can be easily ordered from Germany and the shipping costs aren’t so high.
The Hoppediz Covers can be ordered through me.
In Japan you can, of course, also find many options for covers and jackets. However, when looking for a well-designed coat that doesn’t make you look like a potato sack, you might want to shop overseas.
You can search for the following brands:
Mamalila (German), Viva la Mama (German), Wombat & Co (UK), Angel Wings via Little Zen One (Canada), Greyse (Poland)
If you have questions, recommendations, or anything else, feel free to write a comment or contact me!
Are you dreading the summer heat but can’t avoid carrying your baby? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Here are the best baby carriers for a cool and comfortable babywearing experience in summer. These options are available in Japan, making them perfect for parents seeking a breezy solution to summer babywearing.
For general babywearing tips for summer, see the How to Babywear in Summer post!
Here are my Top 5 baby carrier options for summer
Ringslings are a must-have for shorter distances during hot weather. Their single-layer design allows you to choose light and breathable fabrics like linen, hemp, and silk. You can even opt for thin 100% cotton slings that work wonderfully in the heat.
My favorite is the Hoppediz Ultra Light Ringsling. It has a fabric weight of around 135g/sqm which is extremely thin for fabric. Still, it is very strong and can also carry a weight of 20kg while being very soft and airy too.
Not available in Japan is the Bud and Blossom 100% linen sling which is also very thin and extremely soft. Linen and hemp are sometimes not as soft and you have to „break them in“. This is not necessary for the plum and blossom.
Again available in Japan is the Hokkyoku Shirokumado ringsling made of Shijira-weave. This weaving technique is original to Japan and very thin. It feels completely different to a ringsling made of cross twill or Jaquard weave and goes a bit more into canvas weave direction. This means it feels not as soft and fluffy but gives more of a cool feeling like silk.
(Not all their slings are Shijira weave!)
When the summer sun gets scorching, the Easy Sling Minimonkey Minisling comes to the rescue. Made entirely of mesh, this sling is exceptionally lightweight and folds away compactly. It may not offer the same natural fabric comfort as ringslings, but it comes with a special advantage – you can use it in water! Whether you’re playing in a pool, splashing in the ocean, or sharing a shower with your baby, this water-friendly sling ensures a refreshing babywearing experience. Just remember to rinse it well after use.
Read why I don’t recommend more Mesh carriers in this blog!
Onbuhimos, with their waistbelt-free design, provide a breath of fresh air during summer babywearing. Designed primarily for back carrying, they offer excellent ventilation and are ideal for older babies. While most onbuhimos are not adjustable and suitable for when your baby can sit up unassisted, some makers offer adjustable options for earlier use. Whether you prefer a western-style onbuhimo like the
Lennylamb Onbuhimo is as western onbuhimo that is closed with a buckle on the chest and pretty much works like a rucksack. The width of the seat is adjustable.
Hokkyoku Shirokumado sells Japanese style onbuhimo, which are worn differently. Baby comes higher on the back but arms are always out and the seat can’t be adjusted. The shoulderstraps are for tying. Japanese onbuhimo are used from when the neck is stable but often lack support from knee to knee which is preferable for healthy hip development.
Hoppediz has a carrier where you can remove the waistbelt and use it like an onbuhimo. The width of the seat can be adjusted. However, while Hoppediz designed the carrier in a way that this wearing option is possible, they didn’t officially test it under the American safety standards (the carrier with waistbelt is tested!). Thus, it obliges everyone to decide for themselves to use the carrier in this way or not.
Back carrying is often preferred in the summer for increased comfort, and airy halfbuckle carriers make it a breeze. Many halfbuckles can be used from birth on the back with proper instruction from a babywearing professional, while many fullbuckle carriers, especially the rucksack types common in Japan, have in their instructions that back carry is only possible from six months or even one year
One halfbuckle carrier available in Japan is the Hoppediz Hop-Tye Advance which uses very thin and breathable fabric.
Another halfbuckle wich can be used early on the back is the DidyKlick by Didymos. Didymos also offers a thin fabric, called „Blue Blossom“.
Hop-Tye Advance and DidyKlick look quite similar but the waistbelt is different and should be tried on to find the more comfortable option. Also, the Hop-Tye overall is simpler.
When it comes to summer, finding fullbuckle carriers specially designed for the season may be a bit challenging. Many caregivers encounter the issue of feeling sweaty under the waistbelt and shoulder straps, which can be quite uncomfortable. Although mesh carriers are an option, they come with their own set of disadvantages. However, the Minimonkey is an exception as it allows for usage in water, making it a suitable choice for summer adventures.
For those seeking alternatives, the Lennylamb LennyLight is a standout option. Its exceptional softness, lightweight design, and compact storage capabilities make it an ideal choice for warmer days.
Another fantastic choice is the Hoppediz Primeo, crafted from Hoppediz’s thin fabric, offering an ultra-lightweight experience. Instead of padded straps, the Primeo features thin fabric layers that comfortably cover the shoulders.
One noteworthy carrier that might require some effort to order from Japan is the Buzzidil Buzzibreeze. Made of a single layer of fabric with a special weaving technique, it almost resembles mesh, providing excellent breathability while maintaining the comfort of cotton fabric.
For the ultimate summer babywearing experience, babywraps offer unparalleled versatility. Choose from various weaving methods, fabric weights, and materials.
Didymos has all the varieties you want to have! I love Blue Blossom because it’s very thin. But lightweight Prima designs are also a summer favorite.
Hoppediz has ultralight babywraps for summer. The gsm is only 135g/sqm but which is almost unbeaten. Just like the ringslings made of this fabric, it is strong and able to hold even a heavy baby.
100% linen wraps are available from Lennylamb. The fabric is on the thicker side but the material is wonderful for summer.
Embrace the African tradition of babywearing with its unique and airy torso carry style. Although not exclusively made for babywearing, these traditional African cloths serve multiple purposes. They come in various lengths and styles, and the torso carry in a short wrap offers an easy, fast, and breezy way to carry your baby during the summer.
While I am not African, I can support teaching this carrying style if wished and if you don’t have someone from Africa or with African roots around.
When I got my African wrap I was taught in different courses by people from Africa how to do it.
If you do not have other options to get a wrap, I recommend writing Annika from Maames Wraps. Together with her partners she is selling handmade in Ghana wraps and is about to do her final move to Ghana!
Whichever carrier you choose, remember to prioritize your baby’s comfort and safety. Enjoy the summer with your little one in a baby carrier specially designed to beat the heat. Let me know which carrier you find most intriguing or share your summer babywearing experiences in the comments below!
If you want all the details about babywearing in summer, winter, and in-between, have a look at my online course Babywearing in the Seasons!
And here a list of the brands I mentioned and the links to where to get them:
Hoppediz Ultralight Ringsling (currently out of stock, will be refilled soon!)
Hokkyoku Shirokumado Kyutto Me!
Minimonkey Minisling (other colors available, just search on Amazon for Minimonkey Minisling)
Hoppediz Buckle (custom order from Germany)
I have also done an introduction video for YouTube. See it here:
As the weather warms up in the Tokyo area, you may be wondering if it’s time to put down the baby carrier for a few months. Baby wearing in summer is definitely something to monitor a bit more closely that other times of the year, but just because it’s getting warm doesn’t mean you have to put your sling away! Here are some tips to keep you and your baby cool in the hot, humid summer months so you can enjoy your time together while staying safe from the heat. Remember that you can always book a consultation with Anika if you’d like personalized recommendations for your unique circumstances.
Keeping well hydrated, both yourself, AND your baby, will help both of you reduce the likelihood of heatstroke and replace any water lost from sweating. Baby should have breast milk or formula until at least 6 months, and then you can slowly introduce other liquids depending on what your doctor recommends. Filtered water and caffeine free teas like mugicha are often good first choices, but if you have any questions, a pediatrician or lactation consultant might be able to help out better.
For moms who are breastfeeding, hydrating is even more important. You don’t need to drink more than makes you comfortable, but make sure to listen to your body and drink enough water to satisfy your thirst.
Whenever possible, try to get out of direct sunlight that can quickly overheat you or your baby. Remember that babies can’t regulate their own body temperature until they are about 1.5 to 2 years old, so this is extra important for them! You can look for shade outdoors, or bring your own.
I like to bring a parasol or UV cutting umbrella with me even now. They are great at cutting down the sun’s rays and cooling you down by a few degrees. You can find an example of a good travel uv umbrella here that is light weight and can easily fit in your baby bag.
I LOVE cool pack inserts for baby wearing. These are super easy to use and will keep your baby cool, but not too cold, for up to 5 hours. I usually would have 2-3 that I left in the freezer. When I was ready to go out, I just grab a cool pack, pop it in the cloth cover, and insert between baby and the carrier. Make sure the cool pack doesn’t touch baby’s skin directly, but I always found the plush covers to be very secure. My son in particular loved these and would grab them from the freezer himself once he could walk there!
Never use with newborns though! I would recommend from 6 months up.
It might be tempting to think that the stroller would be a safer, less hot option for your child. It’s really easy for strollers to overheat according to research done in Sweden. They found even a thin muslin cloth left over a stroller could cause a huge jump in temperature. In their experiment it went from 22 to 34 degrees celsius in 30 minutes. Baby wearing allows you to more closely monitor your child so you can be sure they don’t feel too hot and air doesn’t get trapped next to them either.
Last but not least, don’t forget sunscreen for both you and your baby. Baby’s skin is delicate and it’s important to protect it from harmful UV rays, but we also want to use something gentle that won’t irritate your child. It is highly recommended to use UV blocking clothing (long sleeves) but this is not always possible. Luckily there are many companies working on baby friendly sunscreen recently.
Sunscreen shouldn’t be used for babies under six months. If you want to use sunscreen before the first birthday, choose a mineral based one. After the first birthday you can use sunscreen with UVA and UVB filter but have a look at the ingredients! There shouldn’t be any perfume in the sunscreen. Also octocrylene, micro plastic, titanium dioxide in nano particle form, and zinc oxide shouldn’t be part of the formula!
Best would be if no titanium dioxide at all would be in there. While the bigger particles can’t cross the skins barrier, titanium dioxide was already banned from foods in Europe.
Baby wearing in summer is a great option for vacations and taking short weekend trips around the city. Hauling a heavy stroller around Tokyo isn’t ideal, especially on packed trains. As long as you plan ahead and keep hydrated, stay in the shade, and use some accessories to keep you and baby safe and as cool as possible, baby wearing isn’t something you’ll have to give up during the warmer months. Anika has a great selection of carriers and slings for all occasions, many in natural fibers that will breath better during the summer (hello muslin!). Book a consultation to find out which solution would be best for you today. Don’t forget about the Sling Library if you are unsure if one of the carriers would work for you and your baby. You can try it out before you buy.
If you want to learn more about babywearing throughout the seasons, hop over to Anika’s course page. There is a full online course available on that topic!
This text was written by Sarah Anne
Mother and Content Writer living in Japan
You can find her and her services over here:
https://sanewsome.com
https://littlestabstudios.com
Design: Grey
Design: Grey
